House Bill No. 851 aims to amend existing littering laws in Louisiana by specifically prohibiting the intentional release of balloons. The bill amends R.S. 30:2531(A)(4) to include penalties for individuals who intentionally release a balloon or organize an event that involves the planned release of twelve or more balloons. Additionally, the bill introduces R.S. 30:2531(A)(5), which outlines exceptions to this prohibition, including releases by individuals under the age of seventeen, negligent or unintentional releases, indoor releases, and releases of biodegradable balloons. It also allows for balloon releases for scientific or meteorological purposes by governmental agencies or educational institutions, as well as for hot air balloons that are recovered after launch.

The bill clarifies that the intentional release of multiple balloons at a single event constitutes a single violation and establishes a one-year timeframe for law enforcement to cite violations from the date they became aware of the act. Overall, this legislation seeks to address environmental concerns related to littering while providing specific guidelines and exceptions for balloon releases.

Statutes affected:
HB851 Original: 30:2531(A)(4)
HB851 Engrossed: 30:2531(A)(4)
HB851 Reengrossed: 30:2531(A)(4)